Our School History
Elgin District History 1958 - 2013
In the fall of 1958, an educational survey was conducted by the Bureau of Educational Research from The Ohio State University regarding a consolidation plan for area villages. In November 1959, consolidation was approved by voters from the communities of Green Camp, New Bloomington and LaRue. The first local board of Education was appointed by the Marion County Board of Education at this time. Later in that 1959-1960 school year, a contest was held to name the school district. An eleven-year old sixth-grade student from LaRue, William (Bill) Gilbert, took letters from each of the villages of Green Camp, New Bloomington, and LaRue and came up with "Elgin". William was given a "Certificate of Merit" by his teacher for submitting the name chosen for the new school district. In March 1960, the new school board selected Sullivan, Isaacs and Sullivan to be architects for the new high school. In November 1960 a bond issue to build the new high school passed in the amount of $1,248,000. In June 1961, bids were accepted by the board of education and the state accepted plans and specifications for the new building. The next month, July 1961, the district conducted a ground breaking ceremony for the new schoolon the site. Construction of the new school began shortly after the ground breaking ceremony. In November 1961, the first "Elgin" Board of Education was elected by the voters. Three months later, in February 1962, Prospect entered the consolidation with Green Camp, New Bloomington and LaRue. The first classes were held in the new high school in September 1962. The new Elgin High School building was dedicated two months later on November 11, 1962. In the years following, the school buildings at Prospect, Green Camp, New Bloomington and LaRue were used as elementary and junior high schools. Modular units were added as enrollment increased over time. Many attempts were made by the Elgin Board of Education to pass a bond issue to upgrade/update the facilities over the last two decades. Finally, in November 2009, voters approved a bond issue in partnership with the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) to build a new K-12 school. Thirty acres of land were purchased on Keener Road to house the new facility. The total project cost was approximately $35,000,000 with Elgin supplying 44% and the OSFC supplying 56% of the cost. The existing buildings at Prospect, Green Camp, and LaRue will be demolished as well as the academic wing of the high school. Today, the Elgin K-12 School is a state-of-the-art facility and stands proudly, offering academic excellence for the community to enjoy. The Elgin Local Board of Education, students, staff, and administration extend a special thanks to the community of Elgin and all other persons involved in making this project possible.